Girls engage in karate bouts in Gaya on Friday. Picture by Suman

Gaya, Dec. 13: Eleven girls from underprivileged families would showcase their karate skills on international stage.

Aged between eight and 14, they would be participating in the three-day International Karate Championship in Armenia from December 21. Karatedo Federation of India has confirmed their participation in the championship.

All the 11 girls belong to Mushahar caste — considered the most underprivileged in the Mahadalit community. They are students of a residential school functioning in Gaya under Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission.

Funded by the state welfare department, a non-government organisation runs the residential school-cum-hostel — Prerana Girls Hostel.

Ranjan Kumar, the school principal, told The Telegraph: “These 11 girls had won five gold, five silver and eight bronze medals at the South Asia Cup Karate Championship held in Gujarat from May 26 to 29. Kajal had won two gold, while Gita, Nicky and Guriya bagged one gold each. One of them, Lalita, would represent Bihar at the national-level competition.”

Of the 11 girls going to Armenia, the senior most is Poonam (Class VIII). Kajal of Class II is the youngest.

The other selected girls are Anju Kumari, Guriya and Nicky (all Class VI students), Madhu (Class V), Gita, Baby, Guriya and Lalita (all Class IV) and Nicky (Class III).